Duel Booting win 7 pro x64 and win 7 ultimate x32?


  1. ChrisA
    Posts : 3
    Win 7 x64 Pro and x32 Ultimate
       New #1

    Duel Booting win 7 pro x64 and win 7 ultimate x32?


    Hello, New member here.

    I'm just wondering if it's possible to duel boot Win 7 pro (x64) and ultimate (x32) from 2 existing systems?

    Long story short, my computer's Mother board died on me a few weeks ago and I really need access to some of my files. My Wife's computer is the Pro x64 and what I'm hoping to be able to do is just transfer my HDDs (one OS with partitions and one Back up drive) into her computer. I'm guessing if this is possible I'll need to use my recovery disk?

    Not sure what info you would need to say one way or the other so here's everything I can think of.

    Her system:
    x64 Win 7 Pro
    Core 2 duo E8400
    4 GB DDR2 RAM (not sure on the speed)
    ATI 4600 series Vid card (not sure exact make)
    One OS HDD (500GB)
    One Backup HDD (320gb)
    Not sure on MoBo model but it's an Asus with 3 free SATA II

    My Computer:
    x32 Win 7 Ultimate
    Core 2 Duo E4400
    4 physical GB DDR2 4200 Ram (using approx 3.5 GB)
    ATI XFX 4870 Vid card
    One partitioned OS HDD (500GB)
    One Backup HDD (1TB)
    Again, not exactly sure on MoBo model but it's Asus also.

    We both have recovery disks and I have the retail Ultimate disks and OEM Pro disk.

    Now here's the "catch"... I will be either replacing my MoBo or completely upgrading my system in the near future... Is it advisable to be switching the HDDs back and forth or should I look at other options to access my files? If so, what other options do I have?

    Thanks for any input and help!

    Chris
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  3. Maguscreed
    Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       New #2

    If the new motherboard uses a different hdd controller set, you may have to reinstall your windows anyhow. Vista at the very least, as the windows driver won't match the hdd controller and it'll just lock up on you.
    (at least this is what happened to me last time I tried it)

    Of course that's all dependent on the current board and the one you plan to replace it with.
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  4. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #3

    You can install the HD to the other computer to backup the files via explorer, or from the booted Win7 DVD or Repair console using this method: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console - Windows 7 Forums

    Chances are the HD will not boot, although you can try by using the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key which on Asus is normally F8, ESC or DEL. If it starts it will change out all of the drivers, requiring several restarts.

    If not, you'll have to run Paragon Adaptive Restore CD on the HD to start it up on hardware on which it won't start outright, or replace the mobo with the same model.

    In the future keep your files and Win7 backup image stored externally.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 11 Apr 2011 at 08:08.
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  6. ChrisA
    Posts : 3
    Win 7 x64 Pro and x32 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    gregrocker said:
    In the future keep your files and Win7 backup image stored externally.
    I'm not sure if I follow... Both computers have their own dedicated back up drives. Nothing but back ups and system images are on them. Or do you mean I should be using NAS or a server?

    In a little bit of a change, I picked up a new Asus P7P55 LX Motherboard, i3-540 CPU and RAM today (got a tax return I wasn't expecting today lol). Getting a direct replacement for the LGA775 MoBo that matched my CPU and ram was "difficult" to find locally.

    I suppose the basics as to how I would proceed is more or less the same, with one difference. I'd like to switch my x32 install to x64. The first question that comes to mind is, will I still be able to use my key/licence for the 64 bit even though I've used it for the 32 bit already? and I'm guessing at that point I'll also have to reinstall... SOooo, will I be able to access the information on the drive? If not then I guess I stick with x32.
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  7. ChrisA
    Posts : 3
    Win 7 x64 Pro and x32 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Whoops... x86... Hehe... sorry
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  8. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #6

    ChrisA said:
    gregrocker said:
    In the future keep your files and Win7 backup image stored externally.
    I'm not sure if I follow... Both computers have their own dedicated back up drives. Nothing but back ups and system images are on them. Or do you mean I should be using NAS or a server?
    Your OP made it appear you had no backup:
    ChrisA said:
    Long story short, my computer's Mother board died on me a few weeks ago and I really need access to some of my files.

    ChrisA said:
    I suppose the basics as to how I would proceed is more or less the same, with one difference. I'd like to switch my x32 install to x64. The first question that comes to mind is, will I still be able to use my key/licence for the 64 bit even though I've used it for the 32 bit already? and I'm guessing at that point I'll also have to reinstall... SOooo, will I be able to access the information on the drive? If not then I guess I stick with x32.
    You can use either 32- or 64-bit with each license, just insert the Product Key.

    Whether you can access the data on a connected HD has nothing to do with it's bit-rate.

    When you attach the HD, you may need to take ownership of the files or their parent using this rightclick context menu shortcut: Take Ownership Shortcut - Windows 7 Forums

    If for some reason the data is not readable from OS, you can always browse into the HD using the DVD or Repair CD to copy out the data this way: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console - Windows 7 Forums

    Tips for getting a perfect reinstall - use the ones which apply: Reinstalling Windows 7
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